CHASING DOWN THE MUSE: Enjoying a busy Sawdust summer

Oh, to never become so used to the world that it ceases to be wonderful!

A crow comes by for a talk. A monologue it would seem, for I have no reply. A screech tells me one of the local scrub jays does, though, as the harsh response is repeated and repeated again.

Except for these early morning hours, the lazy days of my youthful summers are no more. Sometimes I miss them in the hustle and bustle of Laguna Beach summers and the Sawdust Festival, where I have exhibited the last 10 years. I must not miss them too much, though, as I just keep on wading back in.

But this is Labor Day weekend. It always has marked the end of summer. That has not changed. It is a time when, like a new year, I tend to look both back to what has been and forward to what is on the horizon.

Always there is the beauty of the Sawdust Festival grounds in the summer. We sit beneath those stately old eucalyptus trees with cool breezes blowing through.

The trees provide nesting places for the many birds and occasionally a few fledglings fall. Our resident “bird whisperer” (aka “Queen of the Birds”) is often given the task of helping these babies. Several of the many wonderful moments of this summer’s festival for me have come from watching guests and artists interact around these rescued birds.

A vast array of sounds fill the days and nights as music unfolds on the entertainment deck or the Greek grill or the saloon area. The opportunity for people-watching here is unending. I am a watcher, and I love it.

A couple of times I had the chance this summer to watch painter Stephanie Cunningham as she interacted with customers. I wondered how anyone could not make a purchase as she is so engaging and full of life. What a delight!

Rachel Ucchizono — another of the fine painters at the Sawdust — was in a pretty bad accident mid-summer. It was really special to see her again over the past couple of weeks as she struggles valiantly to regain her vitality and strength. From two weeks ago in a wheelchair to last week walking with assistance to the weekend walking on her own, she’s shown a resilience that has been a good part of my summer to see.

Not to omit the very heart’s blood of the Sawdust — the visitors. My booth partner, Suzette Rosenthal, and I have had great conversations about art, teaching and the various processes we use that are always gratifying. And the classes have produced some really promising artists, both young and old.

I suppose I could wax on, but this is still a busy week and I have jury duty to top it off. Suffice to say that I am still in awe of all the wonders that this world offers me, whether here in Laguna Beach or in far-off China. I don’t think any of it will ever cease to be wonderful. Yes, sometimes difficult, I know; still, always wonderful. I only need to look around to be reminded. Enjoy!

CHERRIL DOTY is an artist, writer, and creative coach exploring and enjoying the many mysteries of life in the moment. She can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at (949) 251-3883.